CHAPTER 10

Ragnar led the boys down to the village where the ground was strewn with the bodies of dying men who had been silenced forever. All of Moldof ’s men had either fled or been killed, while several of Hallvard’s men lay dead also and the rest were clustered around their fallen leader. They stepped aside as Ragnar and the boys approached.

“Father,” cried Brand, rushing forward and kneeling at Hallvard’s side. “This is my fault. If I had not…”

Hallvard held up a hand to silence him.

“My son,” he began, weakly. “We should be rejoicing.”

“How can I rejoice when you lie dying?” Brand sobbed.

“I die on the battlefield, victorious,” said Hallvard. “I die with honour and I die knowing that Valhalla awaits. I die knowing that my son carries my sword, Blood Hunter, and I die knowing that my family are saved. You will join me one day, boy but first you must become a great warrior.” He paused, breathing very heavily now. “Promise me three things, son,” he went on.

“Anything father.”

“Look after your mother, Brand. You are the head of the family now.”

“Of course I will father,” said Brand tearfully.

“Look after Blood Hunter,” Hallvard continued. “That sword has brought many great victories to me and my father before me. Use it well.”

“Yes father.”

“And the last thing…” here Hallvard tried to sit up, but he groaned and collapsed backwards with a moan. He lay silent for a few moments, breathing heavily and gathering his remaining strength.

“My time is nearly come, Brand,” Hallvard resumed. “The last thing you must promise me is this: Thorfinna must be set free for she is no thrall. It was she who led us to you and it was she who killed Moldof. Free her Brand.”

“I will father.”

“Master!” Thorfinna had joined the group unnoticed. The wild frenzy had left her face. She looked utterly exhausted as she knelt down beside Brand.

“Ah, here she is,” whispered Hallvard. “And Odin’s boys, where are they?”

Finn and Arthur stepped forward.

“You have all fought bravely, like true warriors. You have helped me to save my son and my honour. And because of you I die happy and ready for Valhalla. My thanks could never be enough. I will be waiting for all of you.” Hallvard reached up and grasped Brand’s hand, smiled, and closed his eyes.

Brand remained at his father’s side, holding his hand. “Feast well in Valhalla Hallvard Forkbeard,” he whispered, choking back tears. “You will be honoured there for all time.”

When he stood to address the group he seemed to have aged a decade.

“My thanks to all you men who fought so bravely alongside my father. I hope that when it is needed I will lead you to many more victories.” He pointed Blood Hunter to the sky and threw his head back. “Odin, hear me! Give me the courage to honour Hallvard in battle. Give me the strength to wield his sword and bring these men victory in his name and yours. Give me the wisdom to lead as he did!” Brand lowered the sword and his voice wavered as he went on. “But for now we must take his body back to my mother.”

“She will be proud that he died in battle to save you, Brand,” said Ragnar softly, seeing the anguish on the boy’s face.

Brand nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to overtake him. “My father’s final wish is one we can honour immediately. Thorfinna, who fought with the strength of ten men, you have brought honour to your family by killing the murderer who slew your mother and father. My father’s dying wish was that you should be freed and this shall be done at once. You may return with me and live in freedom as part of my family, or you may follow your own path. What do you choose?

Thorfinna looked around at the bodies covering the ground. She looked up at the houses in the village she had once called home and turned back to Brand.

“I will stay by your side,” she said. “But on one condition.”

“Name it,” said Brand and Thorfinna smiled for the first time since Moldof ’s attack in the night.

“You will take me with you whenever you go raiding.”

“Then it is decided,” said Brand. “After your performance this morning I would have you fight alongside me as soon as any man.”

The other men nodded approvingly.

“And what of Odin’s boys,” Brand went on. “What will you do now? Your warning saved us all and you too are welcome to stay with us.”

Arthur and Finn looked at one another and smiled.

“I think we have done what we came here to do,” said Arthur.

“Odin has many uses for us and we will make our own way from here,” Finn added. “We are never able to stay in one place for long.”

“I thought that might be your answer,” said Brand. “It has been an honour to fight at your side. May Odin continue to grant you the wisdom and courage you brought with you. Now men,” he continued. “We must take the bodies back home.”

While the group set about their grim task, Thorfinna came over to Finn and touched his arm.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“What for?” Finn asked.

“Brand is right. Without your warning we would all have died. Instead most of us live, and I have kept my oath to avenge the murder of my family.”

“And you are now a free woman, as promised,” said Arthur.

“Thank you both,” she said again, and then turned to follow the men as they carried their dead back to the boat, ready to set to sea once more.

Finn and Arthur looked at one another. They knew their job was done. Thorfinna had been freed, Blood Hunter had been returned to its rightful owner and Hallvard’s spirit had begun the journey to Valhalla.

Looking around them they became aware of a thickening sea mist. The white vapour swirled gracefully around them until they could no longer see one another. As the mist slowly cleared, Finn and Arthur began to make out the familiar shapes and smells of the Professor’s study. Standing tall and imposing as ever, the huge figure of Hallvard’s ghost faded with the mist until it had vanished completely.